That's What I Learned I College - Hoosier Hot Shots, Andrews, Andy [1]

Runnin' Wild - Hoosier Hot Shots, Gibbs, Arthur

It's fair to say that a little slide whistle goes a long way. That said, the Hoosier Hot Shots made a name for themselves by turning that truism on its ear and giving it a good goosing. The group got its start in the 1920s... more &raquo when three of the four stalwart members came together at an Indiana Fair 4H club meeting. By 1933, they'd parlayed their brand of what now might be considered whoopee-cushion Western swing into a featured spot on the popular National Barn Dance radio show. A recording group from 1934 to 1942, they eventually moved over to film work and, while their popularity faded in the '50s, they remained a going concern until 1992, when founding member Gabe Ward died at age 87. Are You Ready, Hezzie? (the title comes from the quartet's catch phrase) offers 25 novelty tunes from the fellas; titles like "The Coat and Pants Do All the Work and the Vest Gets All the Gravy," "I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones," and "When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose" say it all. If you have a taste for spirited, well-played cornball novelty numbers, it's tough to beat the Hot Shots. And you have to love an anthology that prompts the complaint: "What, no 'From the Indies to the Andies in His Undies'?" --Steven Stolder&laquo less

Synopsis

Amazon.com

It's fair to say that a little slide whistle goes a long way. That said, the Hoosier Hot Shots made a name for themselves by turning that truism on its ear and giving it a good goosing. The group got its start in the 1920s when three of the four stalwart members came together at an Indiana Fair 4H club meeting. By 1933, they'd parlayed their brand of what now might be considered whoopee-cushion Western swing into a featured spot on the popular National Barn Dance radio show. A recording group from 1934 to 1942, they eventually moved over to film work and, while their popularity faded in the '50s, they remained a going concern until 1992, when founding member Gabe Ward died at age 87. Are You Ready, Hezzie? (the title comes from the quartet's catch phrase) offers 25 novelty tunes from the fellas; titles like "The Coat and Pants Do All the Work and the Vest Gets All the Gravy," "I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones," and "When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose" say it all. If you have a taste for spirited, well-played cornball novelty numbers, it's tough to beat the Hot Shots. And you have to love an anthology that prompts the complaint: "What, no 'From the Indies to the Andies in His Undies'?" --Steven Stolder

CD Reviews

Hezzie is the MAN

VICTOR T. WRIGHT | 03/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember waking to the sound of that silly slide whistle when I was 5 years old. My dad loved all forms of music and I am DAMN glad of it. I wondered, what in the world is this silliness. But it really grew on me. Looking back, it is one of my fondest memories. This combination of schmaltz and "schwinggg" and kitsch is just magical. The only two things missing that would make this CD the perfect representation of the HHS, are the intro where Gabe asks the real question "ARE YOU REDDY HEZZIE?" and the song "Them Hillbillies Are Mountain Williams Now" which no doubt inspired the entire BEVERLY HILLBILLIES TV show. This is a must have."

Slide Whistle Heaven

Sam Murr | Gainesville, Florida United States | 04/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can remember being a little kid and hearing my father play this record REALLY loud. It annoyed my mother and whoever else happened to be in the house to no end, but it's still a great source of fun and enjoyment for my dad and I. The Hoosier Hot Shots grew on me like mold on stale bread. I was thrilled to finally find a copy on CD as my dad's old record was getting worn out. The music is great, and a true representation of the later music it inspired. Songs like "I like bananas (because they have no bones)" will always have a special place in my heart. This CD is a lot of fun, and the music is great."

Rad, awesome, terrific!

Sam Murr | 12/27/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD changed my life. The Hoosier Hot Shots were the pre-cursors to Spike Jones, and if you are a fan of his and haven't heard them yet, you are missing out!"

The Jascha Heifetz of the Slide Whistle and a darn good band

Edward Nevada | 02/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hezzie Trietsch! A name to conjure with, to stir the blood and set the pulse (and the feet) a-dancing. I cut my teeth on the slide whistle, and Hezzie was my idol. Probably THE most underrated toy-instrument virtuoso of the century. I'm glad to know others adore him, too! Hezzie was a dead-game sport--any time, day or night, when the call came, Hezzie was READY. Was the world ready for Hezzie? Perhaps it is now."